Halloween Movies in Order to Watch

The Ultimate Guide to Watching the Halloween Movie Series: Chronological, Release, and Machete Order

The Halloween movie series has been captivating audiences with its spine-chilling thrills and iconic villain, Michael Myers, since 1978. With numerous sequels, reboots, and retcons, navigating the series can be daunting for new fans and even seasoned horror aficionados. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, this guide will help you explore the Halloween saga in three distinct viewing orders: Chronological, Release, and Machete. Along the way, we’ll delve into fun facts about the cast and crew, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Chronological Order

Watching the Halloween series in chronological order offers a linear narrative that follows the story as it unfolds within the Halloween universe. Here’s how to do it:

1. Halloween (1978)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis), Nick Castle (Michael Myers)
• Synopsis: Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to Haddonfield to terrorize babysitter Laurie Strode.
• Fun Fact: Jamie Lee Curtis’s film debut; her mother, Janet Leigh, starred in Hitchcock’s “Psycho.”

2. Halloween II (1981)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis), Dick Warlock (Michael Myers)
• Synopsis: The story continues on the same night, with Laurie hospitalized and Michael still on the loose.
• Fun Fact: Dick Warlock, who played Michael Myers, also served as the stunt coordinator.

3. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

• Main Cast: Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis), Danielle Harris (Jamie Lloyd), George P. Wilbur (Michael Myers)
• Synopsis: Ten years after the original massacre, Michael returns to Haddonfield to target his niece, Jamie.
• Fun Fact: Danielle Harris was just 11 years old when cast as Jamie Lloyd.

4. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

• Main Cast: Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis), Danielle Harris (Jamie Lloyd), Don Shanks (Michael Myers)
• Synopsis: Picking up a year later, Michael continues his pursuit of Jamie Lloyd.
• Fun Fact: Don Shanks, who played Michael, had to wear padding to appear larger.

5. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

• Main Cast: Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis), Paul Rudd (Tommy Doyle), Marianne Hagan (Kara Strode)
• Synopsis: Michael returns to Haddonfield to uncover the mystery of the “Curse of Thorn.”
• Fun Fact: This was Donald Pleasence’s final film before his passing.

6. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Josh Hartnett (John Tate), Adam Arkin (Will Brennan)
• Synopsis: Laurie Strode, now living under an assumed identity, faces Michael Myers after two decades.
• Fun Fact: This film ignored the events of Halloween 4-6, acting as a direct sequel to Halloween II.

7. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Busta Rhymes (Freddie Harris), Bianca Kajlich (Sara Moyer)
• Synopsis: Michael Myers stalks reality TV contestants filming in his childhood home.
• Fun Fact: Busta Rhymes improvised many of his lines, adding a unique touch to his character.

8. Halloween (2018)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Judy Greer (Karen Nelson), Andi Matichak (Allyson Nelson)
• Synopsis: Ignoring all sequels, this installment returns to the original’s roots, with Laurie facing Michael once again.
• Fun Fact: The film’s release coincided with the 40th anniversary of the original movie.

9. Halloween Kills (2021)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Judy Greer (Karen Nelson), Andi Matichak (Allyson Nelson)
• Synopsis: The town of Haddonfield rises up against Michael Myers, continuing the story from Halloween (2018).
• Fun Fact: Features several actors reprising their roles from the 1978 film.

10. Halloween Ends (2022)

• Main Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Andi Matichak (Allyson Nelson), Rohan Campbell (Corey Cunningham)
• Synopsis: Laurie Strode faces off against Michael Myers in a final confrontation.
• Fun Fact: This installment concludes the trilogy started by David Gordon Green.

Release Order

For those who prefer to experience the series as audiences originally did, watching in release order is the way to go:

1. Halloween (1978)
2. Halloween II (1981)
3. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) – Note: An anthology entry unrelated to Michael Myers.
4. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
5. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
6. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
7. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
8. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
9. Halloween (2007) – Rob Zombie’s reboot
10. Halloween II (2009) – Sequel to the 2007 reboot
11. Halloween (2018)
12. Halloween Kills (2021)
13. Halloween Ends (2022)

Machete Order

A popular approach among fans, the Machete Order offers a curated viewing experience by focusing on key films while sidelining less critical entries. Here’s a proposed Machete Order:

1. Halloween (1978)
2. Halloween II (1981)
3. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
4. Halloween (2018)
5. Halloween Kills (2021)
6. Halloween Ends (2022)

This order offers a streamlined narrative that follows Laurie Strode’s journey while showcasing the evolution of the series.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the chronological, release, or machete order, each approach offers a unique way to experience the Halloween saga. With its unforgettable characters, thrilling plot twists, and rich history, the Halloween series continues to be a cornerstone of horror cinema. Enjoy your viewing, and remember: evil never dies.